30/05/2026
๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐
๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ ๐๐น๐๐บ๐ป๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐, ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป, ๐๐ฟ. ๐ฆ๐ต๐ถ๐ฟ๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐. ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐ถ๐
Mariano Marcos State University takes pride in its growing tradition of producing documentary films that celebrate the lives, achievements, and journeys of its alumni who have made significant contributions to society.
Through the combined efforts of the Office for Strategic Communication and the Alumni Relations Office, MMSU has produced several documentary features highlighting graduates whose stories deserve to be preserved and shared with future generations.
Among these are "Arsi," which chronicles the life and career of DEPDev (formerly NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan; "Success Has No Age Limit," featuring Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; and "From Quiling to Oxford," which tells the inspiring journey of Development Academy of the Philippines Vice President Jun Arvin Gudoy. Next week, the University is set to release โPolymath,โ a documentary on Mr. Aian Raquel, the multi-awarded Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer who graduated at the top of his class in the Master's Program in Exhibition and Experience Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
These films are produced using the university's existing creative talent, equipment, and resources. They are part of MMSU's effort to document excellence, preserve institutional history, and provide students and the public with examples of Wisdom, Innovation, Stewardship, Excellence, and Resilience (WISER), the core values of our university.
In today's world, video has become one of the most powerful mediums for communication and public engagement. Across generations, people increasingly learn, connect, and draw inspiration through visual storytelling. Universities around the world have embraced documentary filmmaking to preserve institutional memory, share knowledge, and bring important stories to wider audiences.
โShirleyโ belongs to this same tradition.
The documentary tells the remarkable story of Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, a first-generation college graduate from a humble farming family in Aparri, Cagayan. It is the story of a young girl who, by her own account, almost missed the opportunity to pursue an education, yet through determination, hard work, and faith, rose to become Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education.
That story transcends any individual position or title. It speaks to the power of education to transform lives. It reminds young Filipinos, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, that circumstances do not define destiny.
For MMSU, failing to document such a journey would have been a missed opportunity. When one of our alumni reaches extraordinary heights through merit, dedication, and service, we believe that story deserves to be told.
The strong public interest generated by "Shirley" affirms that many Filipinos see in it something larger than a biography. They see hope. They see possibility and the enduring value of education.
That very interest has also brought renewed attention to the life and public service of the woman at the center of the story.
It is important to remember that public service, particularly at the highest levels of government, often comes with scrutiny, criticism, and differing perspectives. While individuals and groups are entitled to raise concerns through the proper channels, it is equally important that judgments be based on facts, due process, and a fair appreciation of a person's record. Those who have worked closely with her over the years know her as a leader who sets high ethical standards, pursues excellence, and remains deeply committed to advancing Philippine higher education.
A fair assessment of any public servant must therefore consider not only the issues of the moment but also the body of work built through years of dedicated service.
More than any position she now holds, Dr. Agrupis has built a reputation anchored on integrity, professionalism, and service. Equally well known among those who have worked with her is her strict adherence to legal processes, institutional policies, and established rules of governance. Throughout her career, she has consistently emphasized accountability, transparency, and compliance with existing laws and regulations, believing that strong institutions are built not on personalities but on well-established systems. She has inspired students, faculty members, researchers, employees, and community leaders through both her accomplishments and her example.
Reasonable people may hold differing views on policies and priorities. Such differences are a natural part of a vibrant democracy and a healthy academic environment. Yet Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis' sterling public service record speaks for itself and has earned the trust, confidence, and admiration of the academic community here in the Philippines and in international settings.
For these reasons, the entire Mariano Marcos State University community, led by President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., stands firmly and confidently behind her. We remain proud of her achievements and strongly confident in her integrity, competence, and dedication to the service of higher education and the Filipino people.
MMSU remains committed to producing films that honor achievement, celebrate the accomplishments of its alumni, and remind generations of students that no dream is beyond reach. # #
